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A 60-year-old Houston man, Russell Cormier, was sentenced to 90 years in prison for a 2017 crime spree that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg expressed relief that justice was served after a lengthy trial process. Ogg stated, “Our prosecutors work hard to bring cases like this to trial to get justice for victims’ families who should not have to wait this long.”
Cormier's violent actions included the fatal shooting of his ex-wife and a former co-worker during a two-day rampage in northeast Houston. The incident was fueled by Cormier's anger towards his ex-wife, Fannie McWhite, who he fatally shot outside her home. He then proceeded to kill his former co-worker, Thornton Bivens, at his place of employment.
Assistant District Attorney Sepi Zimmer, who prosecuted the case alongside ADA Bryan Honeycutt, highlighted the danger Cormier posed to the community. Zimmer stated, “We are grateful that the jury agreed that this man is extremely dangerous to our community and deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison.” She emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of those who were targeted by Cormier.
The crime spree, which left two dead and one injured, was characterized by Cormier's calculated actions and the premeditated nature of the attacks. The victims, who were not connected besides having prior disagreements with Cormier, were caught in the crosshairs of his vengeful intentions.
As Cormier begins his lengthy prison sentence, the hope is that the victims' families and the survivors can find some semblance of closure and peace after enduring the tragic events of the 2017 crime spree.